Nail in Top Plate Basement

When installing the top plate for an interior non load-bearing in a basement what size of nail should I use to nail the top plate into the blocking and joists? Is it 16d or some other size, because a 16d will stick out half an inch if I nail through the blocking. Also, when attaching the top plate to the joist or blocking do you nail in one nail at each location or do you have to put 2 side by side?

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Nail in Top Plate Basement

Most guys put in a couple of 16d's right about where the stud is....if you go at a slight angle it's less likely you will hit the nails below. You want to avoid putting any nails between studs....you never know when your going to need to drill holes in the plate to run wires of plumbing....

I belive 10d in min....a 10d will not penetrate through the second (bottom) plate.

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Nail in Top Plate Basement

Nail in Top Plate Basement

Between the studs nailing is fine if you didn't stack them...... If an exterior wall next to the concrete wall running with the joists, fire-stopping is required in addition to blocking. Any space behind any exterior wall should stop a wall fire from becoming a joist cavity (ceiling) fire. It could race down the joist space and surface in the back room above or even the attic, following any wiring/plumbing holes left unblocked. Sorry; if this doesn't apply, just be very safe when adding walls in basements....

Gary

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